The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-11-09

| Capt. Arson of the Chicagos began
his career on the diamond ut the age of
10 years. He affected long hair, knick-
erbockcrs, and bare feet. His tall form
and yellow locks made him n conspi-
cous object in and around Marshall
town, Iowa, his home. His father, who
ran sawmill, was a great lover Of
athletic sports of all kinds, and he was
famous as n wrestler throughout the
surrounding country. 1t is said that
many times Mr.. Arson senior has shut
down his mill to wrestle collar-and-
elbow on the village green against all
corners. He played base ball, was n
good shot, and was not without skill ut
billiards.
''Ad," as the big captain was called.
took deep interest in sports of all
kinds almost as soon as he was able TO
walk. Instead of being corrected for
running away from school to witness n
game of any description, the boy was
questioned and instructed concerning
| the event, in case his father had been
unable to attend il. Young Arson was
an apt pupil. He learned how to
wrestle, to shoot, and to spar, and he
became prominent ut ball, and billiard
playing. AS he grew in years he be-
came exceedingly expert in all of these
sports. Whenever n drummer came in
to town and wanted to play for little
stake, AID, being the best billiard player
in the place, was always sent for. His
ludicrous appearance often provoked
considerable betting between the drum
mer and his comrades, in which the
strangers were usually worsted.
Mr.. Arson began tossing the bail in
earnest when he was elected member
of Marshalltown's second nine The
captain, for such he was, played behind
the bat, while his father occupied first
base. They were like two brothers. it
is said, and when Arson senior was on
the bases Adj would keep him in an irri-
tated state of mind by yelling: run!
Why don't you run, you old fool?"
These expressions often brought about
very heated debates between father and
son, which generally resulted in tus-
| sic. When he was II years old the
captain played bail so well that an in
vitation was extended to him by the
first nine to take part in a match con-
| test which was 10 come off ut Des
NlOlHcc. hu COuScllcu u ~, Dul Ills
father objected The young man was
bound to accept the invitation, and in
order to conceal his identity from his
father he coaXed the village barber to
dye his long yellow hair Il very deep
black. His chums all made sport of
him, but Ance did not care SO long as
he could escape the vigilance of his
father. The train which was to bear
the nine away pulled up at the depot
just as Arson senior came on the plat
form in search of Ad, who had run
away from the mills some time before.
He saw the towering form of his yellow
haired son, and he recognized him in
spite of the disguise. A few hurried ex-
carnations and steps and he was at the
side of the runaway. You'd 90 where
| told you couldn't would you?" he
said, grasping an ear between his fin
gers and giving the fugitive II harmless
Kick. you march down to the mill "
Arson junior was very crestfallen and
angry, but he knew that it would not
do any good to resist, and he did as he
was hidden. He is said to have been a
comical sight when his father forced
him to hold his head under the pump
while he washed off the dye. 1t was
weeks before the stuff disappeared from
his hair, face, and neck. The big cap
tain laughs heartily when the episode is
alluded TO.